Herbal & Flower Teas
Mulberry Mistletoe, Black Soybean and Eucommia Tea
traditionally associated with supporting blood pressure regulation, strengthening sinews, nourishing blood, and supporting post-stroke recovery
Why people make this tea
Stroke predominantly affects older adults, but the trend in recent decades is toward younger ages as well — a reflection of the combined pressures of modern diet, sedentary work, stress, and inadequate sleep. Prevention is the most effective strategy, and traditional Cantonese food therapy has a long history of using certain herbs to support cardiovascular function as part of everyday diet. This tea combines three classical ingredients — mulberry mistletoe, eucommia bark, and black soybeans — that together are associated in traditional practice with supporting liver and kidney function (which are closely linked to blood pressure regulation in Chinese medicine), strengthening tendons and bones, nourishing blood, and supporting circulation. It has a mild, slightly earthy flavour with a pleasant sweetness from the south jujube. Safe for most adults including pregnant women, it can be taken several times a week as part of a mindful dietary approach to long-term wellness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults managing or looking to support healthy blood pressure as part of a balanced lifestyle
- Suitable for those recovering from or looking to reduce risk of stroke, as a complement to medical care
- Suitable for pregnant women (both mulberry mistletoe and eucommia are classical pregnancy-support herbs in Chinese medicine) and postpartum women
- Good for those with lower back ache, sore knees, or weak tendons and bones
- Suitable for women seeking to support blood nourishment, complexion, and weight management
- Not recommended for people with low blood pressure without guidance — if blood pressure is already low, add a few extra ginger slices and consult a practitioner
- Eucommia is warm in nature: if you notice throat dryness or discomfort after drinking this tea, reduce or discontinue the eucommia
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberry mistletoe (sang ji sheng): The dried branch and leaf of a parasitic plant that grows on mulberry trees. Neutral in nature. One of the principal herbs in Chinese medicine for nourishing the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, calming the fetus, and supporting blood pressure.
- Black soybeans, green kernel (qing ren hei dou): Neutral in nature. Nourishes yin, tonifies blood, supports the liver and kidneys, clears toxins, and is associated with supporting lipid metabolism and reducing blood fat.
- Eucommia bark (du zhong): Warm in nature. Strengthens the liver and kidneys, fortifies tendons and bones, and is classically used to support blood pressure regulation and lower back weakness. Also a traditional pregnancy-support herb.
- South jujube (nan zao): Sweet and mildly warm. Nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and balances the other herbs. Can be substituted with red dates.
Ingredients (3–4 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mulberry mistletoe (sang ji sheng) | 40 g (1 liang) | Available at Chinese herb shops |
| Black soybeans, green kernel | 40 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak for 30 minutes; discard soaking water |
| Eucommia bark (du zhong) | 20 g (5 qian) | Available at Chinese herb shops |
| South jujube (nan zao) | 5 pieces | Rinse; red dates may be substituted |
| Water | 5 bowls (~1.25 litres) |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients. Soak the black soybeans for 30 minutes and discard the soaking water.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 3 cups.
- Strain and serve warm. Take 2–3 times per week.
- The tea can also be cooked as a soup by adding lean pork or pork shin (zhu zhan) for a more substantial meal.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea leans slightly warm due to the eucommia — people with a cold constitution will find it suitable. Those with more heat in their constitution may want to reduce the eucommia quantity slightly. You can add chestnuts or cashews instead of meat for a nutritious variation. The tea is also said to support weight management, improve complexion, and strengthen bones, making it a useful long-term wellness drink for a wide range of adults. Frequency: 2–3 times per week is sufficient — not necessary to drink daily.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): My husband has high blood pressure — even with medication it reads 145/101. Can he drink this tea daily? Bro Niu: He can drink it 3 times per week. For additional blood pressure support, try a daily tea of hawthorn (shan zha, 1 tablespoon), chrysanthemum (ju hua, 1 tablespoon), and roasted cassia seed (chao jue ming zi, 1 tablespoon) — steep together and drink regularly.
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Q (Sophia): Can elderly people and pregnant women drink this daily? Bro Niu: This tea is beneficial, but there is no need to have it every day — 3 times per week is sufficient. Drinking too frequently with any single formula is not ideal; the body needs variety and balance.
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Q (佳佳): I have low blood pressure — around 100/66. Can I drink this tea? Bro Niu: People with low blood pressure can drink this tea. Just add a few extra slices of fresh ginger to offset the blood pressure-supporting effect.
Published March 2, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
